Primary central nervous system lymphoma in China: a single-center retrospective analysis of 167 cases

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare form of extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and a limited number of cases have been reported from China. This study aimed to investigate the clinicopathological features of newly diagnosed PCNSLs from a single center in eastern China and to identify the potential prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). All consecutive patients with histopathologically diagnosed PCNSLs at our center between January 2003 and October 2017 were recruited. Demographic and clinicopathological data were collected and reviewed retrospectively. The potential risk factors for OS and PFS were identified using the log-rank test and Cox regression analysis. A total of 167 immunocompetent cases were enrolled. The median age was 58 years (range 17-96 years), and the male:female ratio was 3:2. Headache (n = 65; 39%) and cerebral hemisphere (n = 96; 57%) were the most common presenting complaint and location, respectively. Out of 167 cases, 150 cases were diffuse large B cell lymphomas. With a median follow-up of 25 months (range 1-152 ), the median OS and PFS were 37 months (95% CI, 25-49) and 17 months (95% CI, 13-20), respectively. Residual tumor after operation, chemotherapy without HD-MTX and palliative treatment was revealed as independent prognostic markers. Moreover, ECOG > 3, multifocal lesions, and palliative treatment were revealed as unfavorable independent prognostic markers for PFS. In conclusion, Chinese patients with PCNSL have distinct characteristics. Further studies are warranted to confirm the prognostic value of these factors and to optimize treatments for these patients.